MELBOURNE has continued to boost its engine room with the recruitment of former Western Bulldogs ball-winner Daniel Cross.

An experienced and highly-respected midfielder, Cross joins the Demons as a delisted free agent.

Cross said he was excited about joining Melbourne after more than a decade with the Bulldogs.

“I was there [at the Bulldogs] for 13 years, so it’s certainly going to be different to walk in through the Melbourne doors,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“It’s an exciting feeling for me. I’ve only known one way for a long time, so I’m excited by the challenge of building new relationships with players and playing alongside a whole bunch of new players, under a new coaching staff as well.

“It’s exciting for me at this point in my career.”

Cross had an outstanding career with the Western Bulldogs, finishing in the top five of the club best and fairest on six occasions.

He won the Charles Sutton Medal in 2008, finished second in 2005 and 2009-10-11. He also came third in 2006.

A prolific ball-winner, the 30-year-old played 210 matches for the Bulldogs from 2002-13.

Originally from Albury/Murray Bushrangers, Cross was drafted at No.56 in the 2000 AFL Draft.

He received a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in 2004.

In 2008, Cross was an All-Australian nominee and represented Australia against Ireland in the 2010 International Rules Series.